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As a new resident of this beautiful area, you have probably been so busy unpacking and getting yourself situated that you haven’t had time to really take it all in. I want you to feel at home in your new community, so here are a few tips for getting to know the wonderful people and places in the New River Valley:

MEETING YOUR NEIGHBORS:

Often people don’t want to intrude when they see you are busy unpacking and setting up house. But there are a lot of ways you can still meet your neighbors:

Take a walk around the neighborhood. Chances are others will be out strolling with kids and pets. Pets are fabulous ice-breakers! Don’t hesitate to say hi and introduce yourself.

Join the neighborhood civic league and attend meetings. If there is a home owners’ association, become an active participant. Not only will you hear lots of good information at meetings, but you will find about fun activities that are happening.

Once you are settled, take some treats to your immediate neighbors thanking them for accommodating your moving truck. Include a note introducing your family.

See if your neighborhood has a social media page and join if they do.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR HOMETOWN

Take some time to explore your new surroundings. There is so much to see and do here!

Play tourist for a day. Check out local travel guides and city websites to see what’s going on in your new town.

If you are a stay at home Mom, check out Moms' Groups; an excellent way to meet other Moms!

Join your University alumni association. These groups offer you the chance to socialize locally while maintaining a connection with your college.

Check out social media for local groups, book clubs, meet ups and community events.

Join the YMCA or Community Recreation Center and meet people while staying in shape!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (540) 320-1328. As a resident of the New River Valley, I am happy to welcome you home!

Let’s face it, no matter how prepared you think you are, moving is stressful . One of the worst parts of moving is packing up your current house. You are probably busy enough already, and now you are adding this huge task to your “to do” list. It can be overwhelming. One way to make it a little easier is to spread it out over several weeks instead of trying to do it all right before you move. Here is a general timeline for packing that you can use as a guide.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY: PRE-PACKING - If you are lucky enough to know a full month before you have to move, take advantage of it. Pre-pack items that you won’t need or use before you move. Out of season clothing, tools and small appliances, and collectibles/knick knacks are items that you won’t miss and you can get them out of the way.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY: NON-ESSENTIALS - Among the items that you didn’t pre-pack, choose those that you know you likely won’t need before moving. Books, extra linens, and kitchen items can be packed up because you likely won’t be doing much reading, and you only need enough linens, plates, and utensils for the number of people living in the home. CDs and DVDs can go as well.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY: TIME TO GET SERIOUS - Yes…now it is time to really start paring down the amount of “stuff” still in your home. If you have children, allow them to choose a few toys/games to keep out, and pack up the rest. If you have a home office, clean it out and box up what you plan to take with you. Jewelry and shoes that you don’t wear daily can go as well. You may feel that two weeks is a long time to go without these items, but trust me, it will go by fast!

ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING DAY: SEVEN DAYS AND COUNTING: Now it is time to pack up all but the few things you will need to get through the last few days at your current home. The rest of your clothes and kitchen items can go (leaving yourself what you will need until the move, of course). Go through your medicine cabinet and toss any expired medications. Pack the rest except for the ones you take daily.

TWO DAYS BEFORE MOVING DAY: NOW IT’S GETTING REAL: At this point the stress might reach maximum levels, but if you have been following the time-line and packing a bit each week, you should be almost finished! Box up your electronics (in their original packaging when possible), bathroom items, and any miscellaneous items that are left. Keep a box for essential items that you will keep with you as you are moving.

MOVING DAY: IT’S HERE! All that should be left is furniture and appliances. Whether you have hired movers to load the large items or you are doing it yourself, it will be so much more manageable with everything else already boxed up and ready to go.

IMPORTANT TIP: Label every box. You can either write what is in the box or what room the box should go to. Or both. You will be glad you did when you are unpacking!

Remember that this is simply a general guideline. You should do what is right for you and your family when it comes to packing and moving. But hopefully this will make what can be a trying and overwhelming time a little more pleasant.

You’ve closed on your new home and it’s time to move in! This is an exciting time, but can also be a bit stressful. Where do you even begin? A good place to start is to create a moving day survival kit for yourself. It should include anything and everything that is important or of great value to you and should stay with you and not go with movers. Here is a list of “must have” items to make your move as organized and stress-free as possible:

Toilet Paper. At least a few rolls. Trust me on this one.

Pain reliever and all your medications. You don’t want to be searching for these necessities, so make sure they are easily accessible.

Toilet Plunger. Yes, really. Especially if your new place only has one bathroom. Better safe than sorry!

Cash for tipping your movers.

A Multi-Tool. While having a whole tool box handy would be great, there is only so much you can (and should) fit into your survival kit. Something like a Leatherman will provide you with a way to open boxes and other small tasks…and it will fit in your pocket!

Trash Bags. And clear recycling bags. Look up where you can recycle locally and have the address in your phone so you can take packing boxes/materials there after you unpack.

Power Strip and Mobile Phone Charger. There is nothing worse than discovering your phone is dying and you have no idea where your charger is! The power strip will come in handy because you will probably clear one small area and can plug in your electronics, a lamp, a coffee pot, etc.…

Personal Hygiene Items. Pack an overnight bag with your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo etc. That way, when you are ready to call it a day you can jump right in the shower without having to search through boxes for them.

All Purpose Cleaner and a Roll of Paper Towels (or two). Hopefully move-in day won’t be cleaning day, but you never know. Be prepared. Even if the house looks clean, you are going to want to wipe down the toilets, sinks and counters.

Bottled Water and Granola Bars. You are going to be hungry. And tired. Have water and snacks on hand to get you through the day. Look up some Take Out Restaurants and have their numbers in your phone so you can have food delivered.

First Aid Kit. Well, at least a box of Band-Aids in case you cut yourself opening boxes.

Note Pad and Pen. Because you WILL come up with a list of things you need and need to do as you are unpacking and you will want to write them down so you don’t forget.

Scented Candles or Air Fresheners. Even the cleanest house will smell a little musty if it has been closed up for a while.

Flashlight. Some rooms won’t have overhead lights and if you haven’t unpacked the lamps yet, a flashlight will come in handy.

Enjoy your new home! And if you haven’t found your dream home yet visit desisowers.com and start your search today!